A Long Time Ago, Part 2

  -This is merely a continuation of my previous
blog dealing with my "prior to Cold Lake" life. When I was 11, the ranch was
sold and we moved into the city of Medicine Hat. Back then, Medicine Hat was
far from a large city but it was still quite a change for a family of
"country bumpkins". Somewhat similar to the Beverly Hillbillies, though I
don't think we were quite that bad! We moved into a rambling, big old house
with lots of interesting nooks and crannies.  Though not a modern house, it
was a big improvement over the one we had lived in up until then. At least,
there was electricity (We even got a black-and-white tv) and indoor
plumbing. Thank goodness, no more outhouses!

I started grade 6 in a city school. Thankfully, it wasn't a large school or
I am sure I would have found it even more intimidating. After maybe 3 or 4
kids in my grade, it was quite something to be in a class with all the kids
in the same grade. I never really fit in, in fact took some teasing, so I
ended up shy and withdrawn which lasted right through grade 12. But, even
though I was never the most popular kid in the class, I always did have a
few close friends. As hard as it was for me to adjust to a city school, I
can't help thinking that it was probably even harder for my sisters who were
in junior and senior high school.

At this point, I will interject that,for this first couple of years after
moving to Medicine Hat, my sisters and I faithfully attended the Alliance
church. It wasn't far from where we lived so we could easily walk there. But
when I was 13 I decided that I wasn't going to church anymore and I didn't
either until I started going to the church I presently attend.

After graduating from high school, I want to university in Lethbridge. I
finally came out of my shell a bit and had a good time. I did some goofy
things, like most university students. My studies always came first, though.
I had to pay my own way though university so I couldn't afford to fool
around too much.

How I ended up in Cold Lake was rather unusual. Makes me wonder if God was
involved somehow. After I graduated from university with a B. Ed degree, I
could not get a teaching position, even though I applied all over. So I was
substitute teaching in Medicine Hat and living at home. In December, I would
guess, the superindendent in Bonnyville phoned to say that they needed a
grade 5 teacher in Cold Lake starting in January and would I be interested.
Cold Lake??? I had never heard of such a place! My sister did know that
there is a military base here but that it all. Apparently, he had called the
university in Lethbridge  and they gave him my name. I have always wondered
why, if they wanted somebody right out of university, they would call
Lethbridge and not the U. of A. However, I needed a job so I came to Cold
Lake, started teaching before I was officially hired and have been here ever
since.

There you have it. For what it is worth. A summary of my "prior-to-Cold
Lake" life.